Roads to Engineering from Rhodes
For those students who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering, Rhodes College offers several paths to becoming a successful engineer. We offer formal dual degree programs- where a student earns a bachelors degree from Rhodes and a second, or even third, degree in engineering from one of our partner schools, or the Pre-Engineering Certificate for students planning to enter a graduate program in engineering after completing their BS at Rhodes. Students interested in a path to engineering should consult with the engineering liaison faculty member, Dr. Ann Viano in the department of physics, early in their time at Rhodes.
Rhodes’ Pre-Engineering Certificate is earned by completing a BS at Rhodes, traditionally in four years, as a physics or chemistry major and completing an additional set of courses that prepare the student for graduate study in engineering. While the pre-engineering certificate is not required for graduate study in engineering, the courses taken by earning the certificate are considered necessary to be successful and earning the certificate lets graduate programs know that the student has made a conscious effort to prepare for graduate engineering study. Read about alumni who have followed this path.
In the dual degree programs a student typically spends three years at Rhodes, and then further years of study in a school of engineering at the partner institution. A student receives all degrees at the end of all years of study at both institutions. The major curriculum at Rhodes, if the major chosen is one approved for this path, is modified from a traditional four-year major so the student can complete the major requirements in three years. Dual bachelors degree programs are offered in cooperation with Washington University in St. Louis and Christian Brothers University (Memphis). Masters programs in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering are offered in cooperation with the University of Memphis. There is also a BS/BS/MS program available through Washington University. Read about alumni who have followed this path.
Both paths outlined above still require that a student complete all of the Rhodes Foundations requirements. The options are summarized in the figure below:
The typical time to a masters degree in engineering is 2 years after the bachelors degree. For a doctoral degree, the average number of years is five after the bachelors degree (3 after the masters). Most engineering positions require at least a bachelors degree, but a masters degree will position you well to advance in your career. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in engineering is usually required to teach or hold a position in higher education. A Doctor of Science in Engineering (EngScD) can prepare you for career advancement and leadership roles in engineering.
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